Device for feeding revenue stamps on a cigarette packing machine

Abstract

A device for feeding revenue stamps on a cigarette packing machine, whereby each packet coming off a wrapping unit is fed along an unloading route extending through a fork grip; between two arms of which grip there is stretched a revenue stamp withdrawn by the grip from a respective pocket integral with the periphery of a roller having its axis perpendicular to the unloading route and tangent with a conveyor roller having its axis parallel with the unloading route and having projections, each of which projections is designed to retain a revenue stamp and to feed it into a respective pocket along a route tangent with a gumming roller.

We claim: 
     
       1. A device (13) for feeding revenue stamps (14) on a cigarette packing machine (1), whereby each packet (5) coming off a wrapping unit (2) is fed along a given unloading route (9), characterised by the fact that it comprises means (18) for feeding the said stamps (14) successively and in step-by-step manner along a given supply route; gumming means (21) located along the said supply route; an output roller (22) mounted for step-by-step rotation about an axis perpendicular to the said unloading route (9), the said output roller (22) presenting a number of peripheral pockets (23), each designed to move, together with the said output roller (22), between a loading position, wherein the said supply route extends through the said pocket (23), and an unloading position, wherein the said pocket (23) is arranged perpendicular to the said unloading route (9); and a stamp (14) withdrawal member (25) designed to move between a withdrawal position, facing one of the said pockets (23), and a release position, substantially on the said unloading route (9). 
     
     
       2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the fact that each said pocket (23) presents, when sectioned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the said output roller (22), a substantially U-shaped section with its concave side facing outwards. 
     
     
       3. A device as claimed in claim 2, characterised by the fact that the said supply means comprise a conveyor (18) having a number of projections (19) alternating with dips (20); each said projection (19) being designed to retain a respective said stamp (14), and engaging, in the said loading position, a respective said pocket (23). 
     
     
       4. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterised by the fact that each said dip (20) is longer than each said pocket (23), and dips, in relation to the said projections (19), by an amount greater than the depth of the said pockets (23). 
     
     
       5. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the fact that the said supply means comprise a conveyor roller (18) mounted for rotation about an axis parallel with the said unloading route (9) and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the said output roller (22).   
     
     
       6. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the fact that cleaning means (30) are provided for engaging each said pocket (23) downstream from the said unloading position and upstream from the said loading position in the rotation direction of the said output roller (22).   
     
     
       7. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the fact that the said withdrawal member comprises a fork grip (25) having two parallel withdrawal arms (29) and mounted for rotation about an axis parallel with the said unloading route (9).